From time to time my quiet time needs a renovation. My daily routine can begin to snuff the joys of discovery and mold me into a machine. I have found a couple of methods that reawaken my pleasure and interest in my devotions that will hopefully be helpful to anyone who is looking for a fresh perspective in their quiet time.
1. Try a different location. By this I mean a physical location. I have a normal place reserved for my quiet times, but sometimes it has helped my spirit to venture outdoors with my Bible and need for prayer. Find a secluded spot embraced by God’s creation. I have been amazed at how visual reminders of God’s handiwork can revive my spirit and enhance my time with the Lord.
2. Pray with a friend or mentor. This tip greatly helped me a few weeks ago when I was struggling in prayer. I would begin to pray but nothing would come. No words. No feelings. I slipped downstairs and asked Mom to pray with me. She joyfully agreed, and hearing her pray and approaching God together proved a needed encouragement. Praying together with other people is both motivating and a blessing.
3. Break up your Bible reading plan with a in-depth study. Sometimes reading God’s Word becomes a duty with few delights. Break up your reading plan with a topical or book focused study. Many times while reading through the Old Testament, I have selected an epistle from the New Testament to dig in deeper a few days out of the week. Right now I am going through Philippians which has provided great amounts of encouragement as I slowly go through each chapter with my journal open for insights.
4. Open your Bible dictionary. Many biblical words have deeper meanings and implications than we know. Take a passage you are studying and research the true definitions and meanings behind a handful of words. Journal your findings. A few weeks ago I dissected 2 Timothy 3:16 and found a bucket full of treasures I have never discovered hidden in the meaning of the selected words.
5. Accompany your Bible study with a faithful devotional. This should not distract from or substitute for God’s Word, but rather enhance your time with the Lord. I like to read from my selected devotional before I begin my study. It helps arouse my mind and focus on the truths in God’s Word. My Utmost for His Highest, Keep a Quiet Heart, Morning and Evening, and Taste and See are simply a few of the great devotionals to choose from.
6. Sing to the God who set you free. This little tip has given me much joy in my walk with the Lord. Find or make a CD of Christ centered worship songs that will help lead you to the throne of Grace. Lock yourself in your room or go for a drive and sing your heart out. Think about the words you are singing. Reflect on what God has done for you. Tell Him why He is awesome. Describe to Him your love.
I hope these suggestions will help you renovate your very important quiet time with the Lord. These have proven to be helpful for me numerous times.
Feel free to share some “tips” the Lord has used in your life to revive your devotional time and draw you closer to Him. I would love to hear them!
Written by: Kaysie Hamilton
For more articles and thoughts from Kaysie, check out her personal blog Alabaster Box.
Kaysie,
This is a wonderful post. It’s so important that we remain on fire for God…and sometimes my habitual routine doesn’t satisfy the longing I have to feel close to my King. Your suggestions are great, and though some of my ideas are similar (or essentially identical!), I’ve found these to really help me.
– go for a run or walk. Like you said, being in His creation is wonderful and helps us see how glorious Yahweh is!
– Sing. I like the idea of singing with a CD, and sometimes I just need to sing my favorite hymns to Him by myself.
– Recently, I’ve turned on some lovely instrumental music and…danced.
If anyone’s walking by and looks in my window, they probably think that I’m crazy! But I’m worshiping my God, and THAT is worth it!
– Lighting a candle (or two, or three
, putting on some music and grabbing a hot cup of tea and just THANKING Him (for ANYTHING).
– Pure silence. Sometimes He speaks when I take the time to quiet down, stop speaking, and LISTEN.
– I love going through His Word and breaking down the passages and write my findings down in my journal.
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path!”
Most important is just to LISTEN to what the Spirit is saying. How does HE want you to worship? What would please Him? B/c regardless of how much we want our quiet times to be a time for rejuvenation for US, this is truly about Him. So if He says, “Run!”…run. And He whispers, “Dance!”, then dance until your legs shake! If a deep longing for His word is pricking at your heart, then dive in and earnestly seek His will.
Let’s seek Him with fervor! 
Thanks again for writing this, Kaysie! 